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Erika Bennett Blog

Jan 16, 2018

For the entire month of January, I've focused heavily on wellness and doing activities I specifically want to do for myself that I don't always get the chance to or make the time to do. Reading more books was high on my January to-do list because I hadn't made any time for it toward the end of 2017. Audible credits were piling up, as was the stack of unread books next to my bed and I couldn't be overloaded with book guilt any more.

It's below freezing almost every day here, so what better time to work through my book pile, right?

Jan 7, 2018

The beginning of each year focuses heavily on personal reflection, goal setting and resolutions, and improved wellness for the following year. During my self reflection period, I always free write a long list of anything and everything that comes to mind; it ranges from getting a house cleaner to come in once a month for a deep clean, make my work-week lunches at night, and getting up fifteen minutes earlier during the week to have a peaceful morning. The list tends to focus on more long-term focuses for the year, but there are seven things we can do this week to start the year off on a positive note—clean, clutter free, and wellness focused.

Jan 1, 2018

At the onset of each new year, I sit down and focus on setting a word for the year. It's an activity I've done the past several years, and many of my goals or resolutions fall under the umbrella word. In 2017, my word was Adventure. I'll tell you, I've never had a more adventurous year than this past one.

Not only did I pick up and move from my home-state, Florida, to Chattanooga, TN and experience all the adventures of moving and living somewhere new, but I also started a new job and began freelance editing and writing. Both the move and freelance work had been dreams and goals of mine for the past several years, but it wasn't until 2017 when every piece of the puzzle fell into place, bringing my dreams to fruition.

Travel was also a large part of my adventurous 2017. I made several trips to Atlanta and Asheville (both places I love) and also took my first trip to New York City in September. I'm not sure how I made it 30 years without ever venturing to the Big Apple, but it fit quite well into my year of adventure. Now, I'm dying to go back and spend more time in the city.

Best Purchases of the Year

The best purchases of the year revolve around warm, winter clothing I never needed in Florida (but do now), the Nespresso Inissia (I'm in love!) and a brand new couch. I'm not one to impulsively purchase an item because I don't want to waste money on something I'll hate in a few months. So, I waited two months before buying a couch, and spent those first two months watching TV on an air mattress I used as a couch. It was all worth it though because the couch I purchased is exactly what I wanted and I spend way too much time on it. The same was true of the Nespresso machine. I'd been eyeing them for over a year, but struggled to decide between brands and models. I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the Nespresso Inissia from Amazon during December and not only am I obsessed with it, its also cut down on my expensive Starbucks habit.

Looking to 2018

My word of the year is going to be Abundance. I really struggled with setting a word this year because there is so much I want to do and see. So, when I started to think about my choices from that angle, abundance became the best fit. I want to grow an abundance of freelance work this next year, interact with people more, love and care for people in abundance and continue to travel to new and old places I love.

Dec 22, 2017

Christmas at the Biltmore Estate has been on my bucket list for years, but we always seemed to miss the start of the holiday season at Biltmore by mere days. Our fall trip this year, however, ran into the first few days of November, so it worked out perfect to kick off the Christmas season with twinkly lights and Christmas trees in every room.

Dec 16, 2017

One of the biggest beauty issues I faced when moving was flat, never fully clean hair. I tried everything I could think of, including using a clarifying shampoo every time I washed my hair followed by a second wash with my normal shampoo and conditioner. I also tried rinsing my hair with apple cider vinegar (smells awful) and I just couldn't shake the flat hair that felt like I always had conditioner left in it.